Our infections disease division provides services in response to a wide variety of communicable diseases, including vaccinations, education, case investigation, and treatment for certain conditions. Most services are offered at low or no cost to Maryland residents at our Community Health Clinic.
Our program includes services related to the following diseases:
- Adult Vaccinations
- COVID-19
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Influenza (Flu)
- Tick-Borne Illnesses
- Rabies
- Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Caroline Health and Public Services Building
403 S. 7th Street
Denton, Maryland 21629
Phone: (410) 479-8000, Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We are closed on Maryland State employee holidays and when Caroline County government offices are closed for holidays or due to inclement weather.
Appointments are required for services. Some same day appointments may be available for certain services.
Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is as important for adults as it is for children. In addition to a seasonal flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, there are a variety of other vaccinations that adults should receive. Visit the Centers for Disease Control website for a complete list of recommended vaccines by age and medical condition.
Our Community Health Clinic offers the following vaccines for adults at a low cost:
The Health Department offers COVID-19 testing and vaccination on a weekly basis. Additionally, our call center can answer many common questions about COVID-19, including other testing and treatment options. Visit our COVID-19 website for complete information.
Our Community Health Clinic provides services, education, and resources to men and women to help them to engage in safe sexual practices. Most of our services are provided at low or no-cost to Maryland residents. Visit the Reproductive Health section of our website for more information.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
Our services include:
- Tuberculosis skin testing/reading
- Medication administration for active tuberculosis cases
- Medication administration for latent tuberculosis cases for those without insurance
- Case management
- Education on tuberculosis prevention to community partners and the public
- Outbreak and case investigation
For questions or to make an appointment, call (410) 479-8000. Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay.
The flu is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and even death. Some of the symptoms of flu may include fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Different strains (or types) of flu viruses circulate each year. This is what is known as seasonal flu. In the United States, flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as the following May.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. Prompt antiviral drug treatment is also important if prescribed by your health care provider.
The Health Department offers free or low-cost seasonal flu vaccines each year. Call (410) 479-8000 to inquire about Flu Vaccine Clinics. Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay.
Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can cause serious health issues. Our infectious disease program makes treatment referrals for tick-borne illnesses and provides education to the public and community groups about how to avoid tick bites, signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, and what to do if you’ve been bitten.
Resources:
- Take actions to prevent tick bites
- Learn how to remove a tick properly
- Recognize signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
To report a rabid or potentially rabid animal, contact the Environmental Health Division at (410) 479-8045. After business hours or on the weekend, call (410) 829-5910.
If you have had contact with an animal you think may be rabid, report to the emergency department of your closest hospital. The Health Department does not have postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, but it is available through the hospital.
Our Community Clinic provides preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals, such as those who work in veterinary practices ($349/dose, 3 doses required) and referrals to treatment for those who have been exposed to rabies.
Help prevent the spread of rabies by ensuring that all your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. The Environmental Health Division of the Health Department routinely provides low-cost rabies vaccination clinics for county residents.
Our staff conducts investigations into outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses in order to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further illness.
If you are planning a party or event, be sure your plans include simple food safety measures to help protect your guests. If you are selling food, certain regulations may apply. Visit the Food Safety section of the Environmental Health page for more information.
Resources: